Why Stroke Sisters Exists
A mission born from personal experience, dedicated to ensuring no woman faces stroke recovery alone.
The Hidden Toll on Women Survivors
Beyond physical recovery, stroke takes a devastating mental and emotional toll on women. Depression, anxiety, and isolation often go unaddressed—leaving survivors struggling alone.
Women experience depression after stroke—higher than men
Higher risk of suicide among stroke survivors vs. general population
Many women feel alone, with no one who understands their experience
Women lack dedicated support for emotional recovery and sensitive topics
Why Strokes Hit Differently for Women
Women have risk factors men don't. Pregnancy, birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and conditions like preeclampsia and migraines with aura all increase stroke risk—factors that simply don't apply to men.
Recovery looks different too. Women are more likely to experience atypical stroke symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis. After a stroke, women tend to have longer hospital stays, slower physical recovery, and are less likely to be discharged home than men.
The emotional burden is heavier. Women experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-stroke fatigue. Many continue managing family and caregiving responsibilities while processing their own trauma—often in silence.
This is why Stroke Sisters exists—to give women the support they deserve during one of life's hardest journeys.
Meet Angie Read
At 46, despite being an active, healthy woman with a thriving 20-year career in public relations, Angie had a massive stroke. The physical recovery was challenging, but what she wasn't prepared for was the debilitating anxiety and depression that followed.
Feeling incredibly alone, she longed to connect with other stroke survivors like her—young, active, otherwise healthy women in the prime of their careers who had lost their sense of purpose. From that longing, Stroke Sisters was born.
"I built Stroke Sisters because I never want another woman to feel as alone as I did."
Our Leadership Team
Guiding Stroke Sisters with strategic expertise and heartfelt commitment to our mission.
Angie Read
Founder & CEO
- 20+ year career in public relations and communications
- Two-time stroke survivor dedicated to supporting other women through recovery
- Built Stroke Sisters from personal experience to ensure no woman faces recovery alone
Key Business Advisors
Doug Jackson
Business Advisor
- 30+ years as founder/owner of 2MD
- Business analysis and transformation services to corporations and government
- Lost his mother to stroke—a personal connection that fuels his commitment to our mission
Jennie Wallace
Business Advisor
- 20-year entrepreneur with global experience in third-sector & technology industries
- Stroke survivor—bringing firsthand understanding of the recovery journey
Shaped by Sister Feedback
Stroke Sisters has been shaped by the invaluable feedback of our early testers and community members.
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build something truly meaningful.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you're a potential partner, sponsor, or donor, your support helps us reach more women who need this community.
Become a Partner or Sponsor
Partner with us to expand our reach and impact. We're looking for healthcare organizations, wellness brands, and mission-aligned companies who want to support women's health and stroke recovery. Custom partnerships and sponsorships are also available for qualifying companies.
- Co-create educational content and resources
- Sponsor community events and programs
- Support technology development for better tools
Have questions about partnering or donating? We'd love to hear from you.
hello@strokesisters.com